Asante (Ashanti), Akua'ba Fertility Dolls, Ghana

The Asante Akua'ba is probably the most famous of traditional African sculptures. Figures like these were carried by girls and women to promote their fertility and to ensure the beauty and health of their offspring. The round, flat disc heads, columnar body with outstretched arms and smooth, black surface convey the Asante (or Ashanti) ideal of beauty.

We have seen many different forms of Ashanti Dolls during our annual buying trips to Africa, from commercial to mass produced to poor quality to antique and one-of-a-kind. We are thrilled to be able to get our hands on this authentic collection of Asante dolls as they are truly superb.